Charles Barkley Doubts Stephen Curry Before Game 7 Against Rockets; Says He's Incapable Of Scoring 50 Points

Charles Barkley stated that Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry may be too worn down and battered to score 50 points to guide his team to a win in Game 7 against the Rockets. While discussing the upcoming showdown on "Inside the NBA", Barkley said:

"You said he [Curry] had 50 points two years ago," said Barkley, addressing Kenny Smith. "That's like five years ago. NBA like dog years. Steph is starting to wear down. I don't think he's capable of getting 50."

Barkley's response left the rest of the panel in disbelief. However, he continued to defend his statement. He added by saying: 

"This is not January and February. This is the playoffs, and he's wearing down. His hand is hurt. That's just what I think."

The former NBA forward was subject to some degree of mockery as Curry's last 50-point outing was technically in April, as called out by Ernie Johnson. However, Barkley doubled down on his statement and continued by claiming that the Houston Rockets would be winning Game 7 comfortably.

Curry had a rather underwhelming performance for Game 6 of the Rockets-Warriors series. Although he racked up an impressive stat line with 29 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, along with two steals and a block, it was evident that the guard was having an off-night.

The 37-year-old struggled in the game as he battled with an injured thumb. This led to a drastic reduction in efficiency as he shot only 39.1% from the field. In addition to this, he also committed five costly turnovers that inevitably helped Houston increase their chances of success.

After being up 3-1 in the series, the Warriors now find themselves heading into a crucial Game 7. With injury and health concerns piling up for Golden State, the team will require grit and some miraculous performances to see them past the No. 2 seed in the West.

Charles Barkley Believes The Warriors Lost The Series After Losing Game 6

Barkley was very explicit in expressing his views on the Warriors' chances heading into Game 7, as he was certain that the team had lost the series after their 115-107 loss in Game 6 at home. He said:

"I think they blew the series last game."

Barkley criticized Draymond Green for getting into foul trouble early in a crucial game and suggested that it impacted the loss at home. He then elaborated on his prediction for the upcoming game:

"Steph gotta be aggressive, but it's not gonna be enough with him and Jimmy. This young Rockets team has unlocked something. They sped up the tempo going into Game 5, and now they're playing with tremendous confidence. That building's going to be rocking and rolling."

As things stand, the Rockets have all the momentum heading into this elimination game. With Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun becoming the driving force on offense, Barkley added that any contribution from their guard, Jalen Green, would seal the win for Houston.

Golden State stands on the brink of elimination, a far cry from the position they were in two games ago. Now, in the face of insurmountable odds, the Warriors will need all the help they can get from their rotation to secure a win and keep their postseason run alive.